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Information released online from June 2012 to September 2017.Note: Content in this archive site is NOT UPDATED, and external links may not function. External links to other Internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views contained therein.

Humanitarian Responders

Volunteers and Haitian citizens unload food supplies delivered by a U.S. helicopter after a 7.0 magnitude earthquake caused severe damage near Port-au-Prince on January 12, 2010.

USAID

Americans are quick to assist those in need. USAID works to build partnerships between private donors and federal agencies to help respond to humanitarian crises around the world.

In times of crisis, USAID works with a global community of humanitarian responders to save lives, alleviate human suffering, address food insecurity and reduce the social and economic impact of humanitarian emergencies worldwide.

We work together to provide help in times of natural disasters, including earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, cyclones, floods, droughts, fires, pest infestations and disease outbreaks. We also provide assistance when lives or livelihoods are threatened by civil conflict, acts of terrorism or industrial accidents.

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USAID’s Offices of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance and Food for Peace work in partnership with public international organizations—such as U.N. agencies and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies— other donor governments, federal agencies, non-governmental organizations, and various other entities to provide humanitarian assistance around the world.

In Syria, where the United States is the single largest donor of humanitarian aid for those affected by the ongoing conflict, USAID is working with international partners, as well as those on the ground, to support the provision of emergency medical services and supplies and the distribution of food and relief items—including critical cold weather materials such as plastic insulation, blankets and mattresses.

In seven West African countries, USAID provided almost $300 million in food assistance to the U.N. World Food Programme, Catholic Relief Services and other partners in 2012. These partners, in turn, distributed U.S. in-kind food aid, cash transfers, food vouchers, and locally and regionally purchased food to 3 million people affected by widespread crop failure and higher than average food prices. USAID also partners with the private sector to provide humanitarian aid.

The Denton Program uses space available on U.S. military cargo planes to transport approved humanitarian assistance commodities to eligible countries. In FY 2012, nearly 3 million pounds of humanitarian goods were sent through this program, such as medical and school supplies, household goods, furniture, agricultural equipment, clothing, food and vehicles.